Amount Of Particulate Matter Research Articles

A Review on Vehicle Technologies of Electric Vehicles (Evs) in Different Indian Scenario

We are living in an age where the rising level of pollution has left our livelihood in complete disarray. The amount of particulate matter in the air is touching new heights day by day. The number of industries and automobiles has increased exponentially over time due to rising population and demand. The power sources for the mentioned sources of smoke, i.e., fossil fuels, are the reasons for such a condition of the atmosphere and are very costly at that. The reserve of fossil fuels is depleting, and the costs are rising. Hence, it is obvious that right now we are in dire need of an alternative power source. Automotives could also be propelled by electrical power without using fuel, and they are termed "electric vehicles. This is, however, not a new concept, and for over a century, research has been made to propel automobiles using an electrical power source like a battery and feeding the power to a traction unit like a motor. Speed control and other controls are achieved by different signal processing devices. Despite being an emission-free system, there are a few shortfalls in this system, which have been discussed in this paper. Right now, active research is going on the use of fuel cells as the power source for the system. In a country like India, where the population density is quite high, in order to reduce pollution, at least from automotive sources, an inclination towards electric vehicles is quite an essential option. In this paper, a review has been made on the present trends and scopes of electric vehicles and their applicability in India, and the scopes of the use of fuel cells as a power source and some suggestions for vehicle charging have also been mentioned

Biological effects of diesel exhaust inhalation. III cardiovascular function

Objective Inhalation of diesel exhaust (DE) has been shown to be an occupational hazard in the transportation, mining, and gas and oil industries. DE also contributes to air pollution, and therefore, is a health hazard to the general public. Because of its effects on human health, changes have been made to diesel engines to reduce both the amounts of particulate matter and volatile fumes they generate. The goal of the current study was to examine the effects of inhalation of diesel exhaust. Materials and Methods The study presented here specifically examines the effects of exposure to 0.2 and 1.0 mg/m3 DE or filtered air (6h/d for 4 d) on measures of peripheral and cardio-vascular function, and biomarkers of heart and kidney dysfunction in male rats. A Tier 2 engine used in oil and gas fracking operations was used to generate the diesel exhaust. Results Exposure to 0.2 mg/m3 DE resulted in an increase in blood pressure 1d following the last exposure, and increases in dobutamine-induced cardiac output and stroke volume 1 and 27d after exposure. Changes in peripheral vascular responses to norepinephrine and acetylcholine were minimal as were changes in transcript expression in the heart and kidney. Exposure to 1.0 mg/m3 DE did not result in major changes in blood pressure, measures of cardiac function, peripheral vascular function or transcript expression. Discussion and Conclusions Based on the results of this study, we suggest that exposure to DE generated by a Tier 2 compliant diesel engine generates acute effects on biomarkers indicative of cardiovascular dysfunction. Recovery occurs quickly with most measures of vascular/cardiovascular function returning to baseline levels by 7d following exposure.

Occurrence and formation of environmentally persistent free radicals in incineration and their impact on soil and water

Incineration is a thermal waste treatment technique that can be understood as a controlled combustion process with the primary objective of volume reduction of waste mass. Combustible waste including gaseous, aqueous, muddy, molten, and solid waste is typically deal with incineration at temperature ranges from 750 to 1200 °C. End products of incineration include a considerable amount of particulate matter (PM) and pollutants. Particulate matter released from the incineration process plays an important role in forming environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) which are the most toxic and stable substance emitted from the incinerator. Other major compounds released during the incineration process are dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated naphthalene, chlorinated benzenes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Although incineration is significantly used to control the waste crisis but emissions of toxic substances from an incinerator have various health impacts on the environment and humans. Long exposures to these hazardous compounds lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. These toxic compounds participate in various redox activities as well as metal complexation events and deteriorate the physiochemical parameter of soil and water. The aim of the present study is to summarize the existing knowledge regarding the formation of harmful compounds released during waste incineration and major environmental challenges associated with them.

Relation between PM2.5 and O3 over Different Urban Environmental Regimes in India

Atmospheric ozone (O3) concentration is impacted by a number of factors, such as the amount of solar radiation, the composition of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and hydrocarbons, the transport of pollutants and the amount of particulate matter in the atmosphere. The oxidative potential of the atmosphere and the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) as a result of atmospheric oxidation are influenced by the prevalent O3 concentration. The formation of secondary aerosols from O3 depends on several meteorological, environmental and chemical factors. The relationship between PM2.5 and O3 in different urban environmental regimes of India is investigated in this study during the summer and winter seasons. A relationship between PM2.5 and O3 has been established for many meteorological and chemical variables, such as RH, WS, T and NOx, for the selected study locations. During the winter season, the correlation between PM2.5 and O3 was found to be negative for Delhi and Bengaluru, whereas it was positive in Ahmedabad. The city of Bengaluru was seen to have a positive correlation between PM2.5 and O3 during summer, coinciding with the transport of marine air masses with high RH and low wind speed (as evident from FLEXPART simulations), leading to the formation of SOAs. Further, O3 concentrations are predicted using a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) model based on the relation obtained between PM2.5 and O3 for the summer season using NOx, T, RH, WS and PM2.5 as inputs.

Correlation along with scaling behavior of particulate matter, prevailing high in Pakistan, India and China

Due to unchecked anthropogenic activities coupled with growing competition for industrialization, the quantity of particulate matter is growing hard. Global surveys describing the air quality and other environmental parameters have showed great concern due to the in particulate matter over the states of various countries more specifically Pakistan, India and China. It is significantly concluded that concentration of fine particulate matter is on increasing track. However, involvement of maximum anthropogenic activities has accelerated it up to great extent. Among Pakistan, India and China, China is showing the highest concentration of fine particulate matter and the major reason behind this phenomenon is the great development of industries and countless running vehicles on the road. Therefore, our study have provided the clear depiction of alarming threat along with its positive as well as negative correlation that are supportive for developing the policies to control the situation and devise the environment friendly measures.

Application of Yellow Clay Powder for Efficient Treatment of Cyanobacterium Microcystis sp. - Laden Source Water in Drinking Water Treatment Facility

Objectives : This study evaluated the effect of dosing yellow clay powder as a sedimentation aid when <i>Microcystis</i> sp. bloomed.Methods : Pre-oxidation (chlorination and ozonation) treatment and coagulation/precipitation experiments of <i>Microcystis</i> sp. - laden source water were performed with a jar-tester. Treatment efficiency was evaluated by analyzing the turbidity and particulate matter of the supernatant after sedimentation according to the presence or not of pre-oxidation, the concentrations of yellow clay powder, and polyamine dosing.Results and Discussion : As a result of evaluating the turbidity and particulate matter of the supernatant after coagulation/sedimentation according to the dosing concentrations of yellow clay powder, the turbidity of the supernatant decreased as the dosing concentrations of yellow clay powder increased regardless of the presence or not of pre-oxidation. In particular, when pre-oxidation was not performed, both turbidity and particulate matter of the supernatant after sedimentation were significantly reduced. In addition, without pre-oxidation, when yellow clay powder (50 mg/L) and polyamine (1.0 mg/L) were dosed together, turbidity was reduced by 25% and the amount of particulate matter by 41% compared to utilizing pre-oxidation. Regarding the concentrating efficiency of sedimentation sludge, when yellow clay powder was added, concentrating efficiency increased by more than 31~38% regardless of pre-oxidation treatment compared to when yellow clay powder was not added. However, with pre-oxidation, the concentrating efficiency decreased by about 27~34% under the same yellow clay powder and polyamine dosing conditions compared to without pre-oxidation.Conclusion : When yellow clay powder was added to <i>Microcystis</i> sp. - laden source water, turbidity and particulate matter were effectively reduced after coagulation/sedimentation regardless of the presence or not of pre-oxidation. In particular, when pre-oxidation was not performed, the turbidity and particulate matter after coagulation/sedimentation were significantly reduced as compared with utilizing pre-oxidation, and using yellow clay powder together with a polyamine reduced turbidity and particulate matter the most. In addition, the sludge concentration of <i>Microcystis</i> sp. - containing sludge with low concentrating efficiency was increased by dosing yellow clay powder.

Particulate matter may have a limited influence on maternal vitamin D levels

Evidence for an association between the amount of particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere and vitamin D status of pregnant women is limited. We aimed to examine the independent association between PM and maternal levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) during the second trimester and to explore possible modifications to the association by meteorological factors. 27,768 pregnant women presenting for prenatal examination who were tested for serum 25OHD concentration during the second trimester between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020, were included in this retrospective analysis. Exposure to PM was evaluated based on daily average PM with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and PM with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤ 10 μm (PM10). Corresponding meteorological data for daily average atmospheric temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, sunshine duration, and wind speed were collected. The maximum cumulative effects of PM2.5 occurred at lag 45 days, and the maximum cumulative effects of PM10 occurred at lag 60 days. In crude models, 45-day moving daily average PM2.5 concentrations were negatively associated with 25OHD levels (β, − 0.20; 95% CI − 0.21 to − 0.19), as were 60-day moving daily average PM10 concentrations (β, − 0.14; 95% CI − 0.15 to − 0.14). After adjusting for temporal and meteorological factors, the effect values were drastically reduced (adjusted β of PM2.5, − 0.032; 95% CI − 0.046 to − 0.018; adjusted β of PM10, − 0.039; 95% CI − 0.049 to − 0.028). Our study showed there was a small, independent, negative association between PM in the atmosphere and maternal serum 25OHD levels during the second trimester of pregnancy after adjusting for temporal and/or meteorological factors, which indicates that PM may have a limited influence on maternal serum 25OHD levels. Besides taking vitamin D supplements, pregnant women should keep participating in outdoor activities while taking PM protection measures to improve their vitamin D levels when PM levels are high in winter and spring.

APPLICATION OF THE BIOMASS AS A CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL OF THE OIL FILTER AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE PERFORMANCE AND EMISSION CHARACTERISTICS

Engine emissions can be reduced by performing suitable modifications to the oil filter. Biomass medium served as the replacement for the standard paper fibres, which are used in common oil filters. The experimental analysis of 4 emission elements showed a moderate increase in the case of 2 emission characteristics, whereby a 10% increase in monoxide was present, and also, an increase of 2.5% of nitrogen oxides was observed. Further, there was a significant reduction of 2 other emission elements, namely the unburned hydrocarbons decreased by 61%, and the amount of particulate matter was reduced by 18%. Measured engine power increased by 1.2% using the modified oil filter, which proves the success of this filter. There was a decrease in oil pressure as well, the value dropped by 0.5 bar during the whole period of the measuring process.

Low-Cost Air Purifier Prototype Using a Ventilating Fan and Pump Against Haze Pollution

This study aimed to focus on the design and development of low-cost do-it-yourself (DIY) air purifiers, using a ventilating fan, air pump, water pump, and an ultrasonic generator that can be used during the haze pollution. Six types of household air purifiers were fabricated. The amount of particulate matter (PM) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels were recorded at 0, 10, 20, 30, and 60 min (min), then, repeated 3 times. After 10 min of the 3rd experiment of each study, the last measurement of air pollution would be recorded. The results showed at 60 min, the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and electrostatic fiber was the best technique regarding reduction of PM and CO2 levels. The highest PM reduction rate had occurred at 30 min using an air pump procedure (99.330 to 100%). The CO2 levels of all experiments had fluctuated at different times. After 10 min of a closed machine, PM levels of all air purifier systems were decreased, except HEPA filter and electrostatic fiber types. In conclusion, the best method for reducing particulate matter and cost without taking humidity into account is an air pump technique, whereas the HEPA filter and electrostatic fiber method is the best choice for lowering PM levels without increasing humidity and vapor production.

Flame confinement in biomass combustion systems for particles abatement

This work explores the use of open-pore, inert ceramic foams with different pore sizes as particle abatement systems in small biomass combustion systems. Porous foams made of silicon carbide with pore sizes 10 to 60 pores-per-inch were installed in an in-house designed combustion unit operated with wood pellets. Their effects on the temperature distribution inside the chamber, particulate and gases emissions were studied using different airflow rates in the reaction-limited regime (low equivalence ratio) to minimise stoichiometric factors. The influence of pore size, foam position with respect to the flame and space velocity were assessed. The confinement of the flame with inert foams was found to substantially modify the temperature distribution in the combustion chamber, improve the air-fuel mixture, and favour the thermal decomposition of the pellet, leading to a reduction in particulate emissions when compared to free-flame combustion at the same experimental conditions. In general, the amount of particulate matter was found to decrease by up to one order of magnitude as the pore size of the foam was reduced, while the temperature gradient in the combustion chamber was increased. Nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide emissions were essentially unchanged, irrespectively of the pore size of the foam. It is expected that these values will be improved with longer residence times, as happens in operations with reduced excess air ratios. These results suggest that it is possible to control pollutants derived from domestic heating within the most restrictive current regulations on particulate emissions by integrating flame confinement designs with better operating practices and efficient abatement systems.

Particulate matter in the workplace: effects of a mental models-based folder combined with a practical assignment

BackgroundWith increasing knowledge on the adverse health effects of certain constituents of PM (particulate matter), such as silica, metals, insoluble ions, and black carbon, PM has been under the attention of work safety experts. Previously, we investigated the perceptions of blue-collar workers in highly exposed areas of work. Subsequently, we developed an instruction folder highlighting the most important aspects of PM risk and mitigation, and tested this folder in a digital experiment. The digital experiment yielded positive results with regards to acquired knowledge about PM, but did not on risk perception or safety behavior.MethodsIn this study, we investigate the effects of the folder when combined with a practical assignment involving a PM exposimeter, showing the amount of particulate matter in microgram per cubic meter in real time on its display for various activities. We tested this at six workplaces of four companies in the roadwork and construction branch.ResultsThe results indicate that the folder itself yields an increased knowledge base in employees about PM, but the effects of the practical assignment are more contentious. Nevertheless, there is an indication that using the assignment may lead to a higher threat appraisal among employees for high exposure activities.ConclusionWe recommend implementing our folder in companies with high PM exposure and focusing further research on appropriate methods of implementation.

Influence of Natural Processes and Bottom Trawling in the Nepheloid Layer Structure Off Vancouver Island (British Columbia, Canada, NE Pacific)

Continental margins are transitional areas between the land and the deep ocean where large amounts of particulate matter are supplied, transported, and ultimately deposited in the deep sea. High-energy hydrodynamic processes such as storms, ocean currents, or internal waves and tides, as well as bottom trawling activities contribute to the resuspension and remobilization of these particles. These mechanisms favor their transference from the continental shelf to the continental slope and maintain high concentrations of particulate matter in the water column forming nepheloid layers. The temporal evolution of the hydrographic and nepheloid structure in the upper slope off Vancouver Island (British Columbia, Canada, NE Pacific) was assessed by analyzing 4 months (from mid-August to late-November 2018) of sensor data from Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) NEPTUNE cabled seafloor observatory. The distribution of particulate matter during the study period illustrated a well-defined turbidity structure consisting of surface nepheloid layers (SNLs) at <100 m depth associated to primary and secondary productivity, intermediate nepheloid layers (INLs) between 150 and 300 m depth at the shelf-break and upper slope domain, and bottom nepheloid layers (BNLs) developed at >400 m depth. Moderate storm events occurred during fall when the more intense INLs were recorded at shelf-break depths. However, not all the INLs recorded during this period occurred in coincidence with these storms, indicating that these INL detachments were modulated by a different sediment resuspension mechanism. Analyses of fishing vessel activity during the study period revealed that trawlers operated over the same depth range as these INLs. Our results suggest that, in combination with the regional currents, the presence of continuous fishing along the continental slope off Vancouver Island contributes to the advection of suspended sediment particles, playing a major role in their transfer as nepheloid layers.

Experimental investigation of coal and pellet combustion in a manual loaded stove

ABSTRACT Manufacture of burn-efficient automatic feed boilers and stoves is made in Turkey for the use of Pellet fuel for heating purposes. In rural areas where regional or central heating systems are not available and natural gas cannot be used, manually loaded stoves are widely used as individual heating systems. Manually loaded stoves, coal and wood are generally used as fuel and ignition of coal is done with wood pieces. In this study, the use of pellet and coal fuels in a manually loaded stove is experimentally investigated. Stove efficiency and emission values for three different combustion conditions (coal-pellet, coal, pellet) in manually loaded stoves were experimentally compared according to BS EN 13240 (Roomheaters Fired by Solid Fuel-Requirements and Test Methods) standard. Stove efficiency was calculated using the measurements made for each fuel. The efficiency obtained as a result of the experiments were calculated as 45.14%, 44.77%, and 44.11% for coal, pellet + coal and pellet, respectively. Due to the high amount of volatile matter in the pellet fuel and the incomplete combustion of volatile substances, the flue gas temperature and CO concentration become high and the stove efficiency decreases. In spite of this, in pellet burning, the amount of particulate matter under the bed in ash is less than the coal burning, which increases the stove efficiency slightly.

Environmental and human health impact of different powertrain passenger cars in a life cycle perspective. A focus on health risk and oxidative potential of particulate matter components

Different powertrains passenger cars, homologate in compliance with Euro 6 standard, were compared in a life cycle perspective for assessing both environmental and human health impacts. For this latter aspect, some correlation between the emission of heavy metals, elemental carbon, organic carbon, the oxidative potential of particulate matter and the adverse effect on human health were also analyzed and discussed. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) showed the lower greenhouse gases emissions, from 0.1 kgCO2eq/km to 0.2 kgCO2eq/km but were charged by the higher emissions of freshwater eutrophication and freshwater ecotoxicity, about 6 × 10-6 kgPeq/km and 4 CTUe/km, respectively. Lower resource depletion was detected for cars powered by internal combustion and hybrid powertrains. Amount of particulate matter (PM) emitted resulted lower for petrol-hybrid electric vehicles (Petrol-HEV), of about 5 × 10-5 kgPM2.5eq/km. BEV were charged by the higher values of human toxicity cancer, from about 2 × 10-5 CTUh/km to about 5 × 10-5 CTUh/km whereas Petrol-HEV were credited by the lower impact on human health (DALY/km). The large contribution to PM emission from all the analyzed cars was from tyre and brake wear. Main PM components were elemental (ElC) and organic carbon (OC) compounds. ElC is also a specific marker of PM emitted from traffic. Both ElC and OC were characterized by a strong correlation with the oxidative potential of PM, indicating a threat for human respiratory tract only marginally decreased by the transition from conventional to electric poweretrains vehicles.

Effects of Particle Properties on Visualizing Flows in a Two- Stage Electrostatic Precipitator Using Particle Image Velocimetry

The amount of particulate matter (PM) in the environment has been confirmed to be health risks on human bodies[1, 2], and therefore removing suspended particles has become the research goal of many studies. Electrostatic precipitator (ESP) is one of the high-efficiency particle collection technologies[3-7]. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) has been an effective tool for visualizing the flow patterns in experimental fluid mechanics, and many studies adopted this technique to study flows in ESP[8-10]. However, particles charged by the electric field can cause deviation in measurement results since it does not follow the ionized air flow which can be charged differently from the tracer particles. In this study, the observation of the effects of different particle properties on flow field in a two-stage ESP is the objectives of this study. A two-stage ESP was built and four different seeding particles, aluminum oxide (Al2O3) particle, oil droplet particle, sodium chloride (NaCl) particle, and titanium dioxide (TiO2) particle, are tested in the current study. In this study, the streamwise velocity of the flows ranges from 2.36 m/s to 4.18 m/s, the voltage of the corona electrode varies from 8 kV to 12 kV with a positive polarity, and the voltage of the collector electrode is fixed at 16 kV. To investigate the 3-D flow patterns inside the channel, data at different planes were taken for comparison. The results show that by increasing charge voltage from 8 kV to 12 kV with a streamwise flow velocity the 2.36 m/s, the y-component velocity for Al2O3 particle, oil droplet particle, NaCl particle and TiO2 particle increased by 50.6%, 76.0%, 33.5% and 51.9%, respectively. Moreover, for the case of the 4.18 m/s primary flow, the y-component velocity for Al2O3 particle, oil droplet particle, NaCl particle and TiO2 particle increase by 52.7%, 59.2%, 59.4% and 65.9% after the voltages increase from 8 kV to 12 kV. PIV results for oil droplet particle shows slower y-component velocities, which can be due to the lower Archimedes number of 3.12E-06 and the mobility number that is larger than 3. On the contrary, in most of results from TiO2 particles show high y-component velocity, which is due to the highest Archimedes number of 1.15E-03 of the seeding particles tested in this study. This result shows that the particle is less affected by buoyancy effect. The PIV results of the middle plane also shows that the ycomponent of velocity from -2.6 m/s to -0.5 m/s, in contrast to -1.0 m/s to 1.0 m/s from the near wall observation plane. These results are consistent to simulation results of the electric field distribution, whichshows unequal electric field strengths between the middle and near wall regions of the test section. Only half of the cage shape distribution of the electric field can be observed, and primary flow influences the ionic wind to move to the downstream area. Based on the results, the oil droplet and TiO2 particles are more suitable for the role of tracer particles compared to aluminum oxide and sodium chloride particles.

Effects of Chronic Secondhand Smoke (SHS) Exposure on Cognitive Performance and Metabolic Pathways in the Hippocampus of Wild-Type and Human Tau Mice.

Background:Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is a risk factor for developing sporadic forms of sporadic dementia. A human tau (htau) mouse model is available that exhibits age-dependent tau dysregulation, neurofibrillary tangles, neuronal loss, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress starting at an early age (3–4 months) and in which tau dysregulation and neuronal loss correlate with synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline.Objective:The goal of this study was to assess the effects of chronic SHS exposure (10 months’ exposure to ) on behavioral and cognitive function, metabolism, and neuropathology in mice.Methods:Wild-type (WT) and htau female and male mice were exposed to SHS (90% side stream, 10% main stream) using the SCIREQ® inExpose™ system or air control for 168 min per day, for 312 d, 7 d per week. The exposures continued during the days of behavioral and cognitive testing. In addition to behavioral and cognitive performance and neuropathology, the lungs of mice were examined for pathology and alterations in gene expression.Results:Mice exposed to chronic SHS exposure showed the following genotype-dependent responses: a) lower body weights in WT, but not htau, mice; b) less spontaneous alternation in WT, but not htau, mice in the Y maze; c) faster swim speeds of WT, but not htau, mice in the water maze; d) lower activity levels of WT and htau mice in the open field; e) lower expression of brain PHF1, TTCM1, , and HSP90 protein levels in WT male, but not female, mice; and f) more profound effects on hippocampal metabolic pathways in WT male than female mice and more profound effects in WT than htau mice.Discussion:The brain of WT mice, in particular WT male mice, might be especially susceptible to the effects of chronic SHS exposure. In WT males, independent pathways involving ascorbate, flavin adenine dinucleotide, or palmitoleic acid might contribute to the hippocampal injury following chronic SHS exposure. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP8428

UPDATING EMISSION FACTORS FOR IN-USE MOTORCYCLES FUELED BY GASOLINE, E5 AND E10 IN VIETNAM

Motorcycle is the most popular transportation means in Vietnam due to its low cost and flexibility. However, motorcycles emit substantial quantities of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and some amount of particulate matter. Emission factors for in-use motorcycles in Vietnam were studied and established quite a long time ago. The objective of this study is to update the emission factors, not only gaseous emissions but also particle number, for in-use motorcycles in Vietnam. Ten carbureted and electronic fuel injected motorcycles representative for in-use motorcycles were selected for investigation. Each motorcycle was fueled by conventional gasoline, E5 and E10 in turn, and was tested on a chassis dynamometer according to ECE R40 driving cycle. The gaseous emissions were sampled and determined by standard methods, while the particle number in exhaust gas was sampled by using the sampling system developed by Laboratory of Internal Combustion Engine, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Vietnam. The updated emission factors were then provided for carbureted motorcycles, EFI motorcycles and average motorcycle fleet in case of gasoline, E5 and E10 fueling.

High spatial resolution IoT based air PM measurement system

Air pollution is one of the global problems of the current era. According to World Health Organization more than 80% of the people living in metropolitan areas breathe air which exceeds the guideline limits. Particulate matter, the mixture of liquid and solid particles having diameters less than 10 μm, is one of the important pollutants in the air. The main source of the Particulate matter is mostly burning reactions associated with industry, vehicles and homes. Several studies have shown the lethal impact of particulate matter to public health and environment. The rise of particulate matter amount in air has been linked to several health problems such as not only respiratory diseases but also mortality in infants and heart attacks. Currently, bulky stations which are high-cost and have limited spatial resolution are used to monitor the air quality. In this study we developed an alternative particulate matter measurement system which is portable and low-cost (less than 200 USD) and also integrated with cloud computing. The system allows real time distant monitoring of PM particles with high spatial resolution (meter range). The developed sensor system is able to provide air quality data in correlation with the existing stations (R2 = 0.87). The statistical comparison between the developed system and the reference methods revealed that two systems produced statistically equal results in detecting the variations of the particulate matter.

Potential release of nano-carbon black from tire-wear particles through the weathering effect

Carbon black (CB) is commercially produced by the partial combustion of hydrocarbons, mainly used as a reinforcing material in tires. Generally, driving cars emit a considerable amount of particulate matter (PM), and this acts as a major source of PM in urban areas. While exhaust PM emissions are strictly regulated and controlled by the government, non-exhaust PM emissions from tire-wear and break-wear have been overlooked. Additionally, as CB is tightly bound in the rubber matrix of tire-wear particles (TWP), the possibility of nanoparticle exposure from TWP has also been ruled out. However, TWP could be fragmented through the weathering effect, continuous abrasion on the road, and resuspension. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the potential release of nano-CB from TWP through the weathering effect using a ball milling process. With increasing milling time, countless free-bound nanoparticles were detached from the parent TWP samples. Based on several analyses of elemental composition, morphological change, and crystallinity, it is possible to define the free-bound nanoparticles as nano-CB. Additionally, nanosized carbon-based materials were found in real-time field tests on highways. Therefore, it has been confirmed that nanosized carbon particles can be released from TWP or exhaust PM.

Trace Level Direct Determination of Phosphorus in Petroleum Products with High Particulate Content

Petrochemical samples are difficult matrices, as they cover a wide range of volatilities, densities, viscosities, and quantities of particulate matter. The analysis of organic samples has always been a challenge for inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). More volatile than aqueous solutions, an organic matrix affects the plasma robustness and stability and creates complicated spectral backgrounds. As a result, the detection limits in organic as compared to aqueous samples are degraded. The goal of this study was to develop a robust and reliable method for trace level phosphorus determination in petroleum products with high particulate content. Selecting the correct sample introduction system, particularly the nebulizer as its most critical component, and optimization of instrument operating parameters are expected to significantly improve the analytical performance of the developed method. Three nebulizers were evaluated, and the analytical performance for the determination of low phosphorus concentration in a number of challenging petrochemical samples with high particulate content was compared. The evaluation included one concentric and two non-concentric nebulizers specifically designed to handle samples with large particles. In order to achieve the lowest possible quantification limits, the optimization of the dilution ratio was carried out for each studied matrix. The results clearly showed that the lowest quantification limit of 0.08 mg kg−1 at 1:3 dilution ratio as well as accuracy, precision, and ability to handle samples with high particulate content was achieved by using one of the non-concentric nebulizers.